- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He Fr
Sporty Q7
In 2016, the new Audi SQ7 SUV was unveiled in Ingolstadt. The ‘new model’ is the sporty version of the second generation Audi Q7. And the more powerful version can be distinguished from the original model by a more expressive image, which is created by small exterior elements. The vehicle proudly features 20-inch wheels with exclusive design rims, a radiator grille with an original mesh pattern, silver mirror housings, a rear diffuser and a spoiler on the trunk lid. The interior constantly reminds you about the splendor of the exterior by carbon inserts on the front panel, a sports steering wheel with a beveled bottom, an original automatic transmission selector cover with a SQ7 nameplate, pedal pads, etc.
The SQ7 TDI is not only the first full-size SUV in the S-model range. It is the world’s first production vehicle with an electromechanical supercharged engine. An advanced 4-liter V8 diesel engine is capable of developing 385 hp and 850 Nm of torque.
The vehicle can be optionally equipped with the third row of electric seats. The trunk volume reaches 275 liters in the presence of the third row or 803 liters in the five-seater configuration. The maximum volume is 2,075 liters.
The first generation
Audi has decided to equip its large sports SUV with a new turbocharged diesel 8-cylinder engine, producing 435 hp at 5,000 rpm, and a maximum torque of 900 Nm is available in the range from 1,000 to 3,250 rpm. Such delightful figures are provided by two turbines and an additional electric compressor. The first turbine operates at low revs, while the second is activated as the revs and load increase, and an additional electric supercharger driven by a 9.5 liter electric motor, turns on immediately after starting the engine. It allows you to get rid of the so-called ‘turbo lag’ with active acceleration. It only takes 250 milliseconds to be activated. In practice, acceleration to 100 km/h occurs in 4.8 seconds. The maximum speed is limited to 250 km/h.
The power is transferred from the engine to the wheels by an automatic transmission with manual mode. It has 8 speeds, and the unit works very quickly and efficiently, and it turns on the coasting mode at idle, which further reduces fuel consumption. The declared fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 7.4 l/100 km, which is a great indicator for a four-wheel drive vehicle weighing more than two tons!
Speaking of drive, the Quattro system features a self-locking center differential with a compact and lightweight mechanism. The vehicle comes standard with electromechanical power steering, driving mode selection system, adaptive air suspension, and pivoting rear axle (steering angle of the rear axle reaches five degrees). The active anti-roll bars are electronically controlled, which allows adding the necessary degree of stiffness to eliminate roll in corners and reducing it for more comfortable straight-ahead driving.
The standard equipment of the first generation SUV includes front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, adaptive cruise control, adaptive light, and tire pressure monitoring system. The list of options offers rear side airbags, night vision system, automatic parking system, and head-up display. The beautiful SQ7 features leather upholstery in different colors and textures, a 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit digital dashboard, a touch-sensitive boot release, its electric curtain, etc. The luxury Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System is able to generate True 3D surround sound with a 23-channel amplifier and 23 speakers including a subwoofer. The SUV has the four-zone climate control.
2019 restyling
In July 2019, our hero was restyled. The SUV has acquired the new radiator grille, rear diffuser and headlights, including matrix laser optics. The restyled 2019/2020 Audi SQ7 has new 20-inch wheels, while the design of the trunk lid and the shape of the combination lamps, which are now connected by a chrome molding, have changed. The restyled model is 5,067 mm long, 1,970 mm wide and 1,743 mm high.
The interior has been thoroughly redesigned, acquiring a new front panel with three displays and the digital dashboard on the 12.3-inch screen with a special S-display mode. The control of entertainment and navigation systems is assigned to the central 10.1-inch screen, whereas the microclimate and comfort (heating, ventilation and massage functions of the seats), as well as text input is controlled by an 8.6-inch touchscreen at the bottom of the console.
The new Audi SQ7 has retained the same V8 twin- turbocharged engine with an electric supercharger that still produces 435 hp and 900 Nm. The transmission is the same 8-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive with a Torsen center differential. The dynamics have not changed either: acceleration to 100 km/h occurs in 4.8 seconds, while the maximum speed is limited to 250 km/h.
The 2021 Audi SQ7 is a powerful vehicle, so its safety is of paramount importance. The suspension control module (EFP) monitors the adjustable shock absorbers, pneumatic elements, differential and rolling moments. The driver is assisted by the following modern systems: a traffic jam assistant (operates at speeds up to 65 km/h), a lane departure warning system, an automatic emergency braking system with pedestrian recognition, blind spot monitoring system, a night vision system and other equipment.
